5 European cities with unforgettable nightlife

Prague is a sick night out!

Being from the United Kingdom, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to travel across Europe and get to know some of the culture, tradition, and idiosyncrasies of cities like Tallinn, Helsinki and Vaduz.

I have also had plenty of time to explore what’s on offer after dark across the continent, so I’d say I’ve got a pretty good grasp on the best cities to visit for unforgettable nightlife.

Most travel bloggers will state that you can’t go wrong with the “Four Bs” of Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, and Belgrade. Some of those usual suspects have made my ultimate list, but there are also a few others I’ve included that may just surprise you.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

To kick things off, let’s begin with Amsterdam. The Dutch capital serves up the perfect mix of fascinating history, rich culture and trendy modernism. Easily one of cities the continent’s must-see cities, Amsterdam’s canals and bike paths make it a breeze to explore.

Amongst the historical landmarks like Het Houten Huis, the post-modernism of the EYE Film Instituut Nederland and the serenity of Vondelpark, you’ll find some of the best nightlife options in the region.

There are club nights and dance festivals to suit all tastes, with DJs serving everything from techno to deep funk. Radion, Shelter and Club NYX are some of the top venues and draw in crowds in their droves. For a truly unique experience head to Crane Hotel Faralda, a full-service hotel and nightclub located 50 meters up a giant crane.  

Berlin, Germany

Views and booze: Berlin’s unique nightlife is something you must experience once in your life.

Berlin is truly a city like no other. Germany’s capital dates all the way back to the 13th Century and its history is everywhere. A city with immense cultural flair, Berlin has been a mecca for artists, philosophers, musicians and activists for much of modern history.

Once you’ve had your fill of everything that’s on offer during the daytime, take a disco nap and head back out onto the streets of Berlin. This is a place where the night only really gets going after 1am (which is my kind of place), but there are plenty of low-key options for those who prefer a more reasonable bedtime.

Berghain is, of course, notorious for its stringent door policies, but the iconic club has recently been transformed into an art gallery. Don’t fret, though, there are still all manner of underground clubs still catering to every subculture you can think of. I’d highly recommend spending the night in Tresor if you get the chance, an old power plant-turned-club, which will allow you to sample Berlin’s famous techno scene.

Prague, Czech Republic  

Somewhere I visited only last year for a stag do, the “City of a Hundred Spires” is equal to Paris in terms of its beauty. Walking around its Old Town Square is like walking through history - baroque buildings, ancient chapels and cobbled streets abound!

It’s also Eastern Europe’s party central. The wide array of nighttime entertainment on offer in the Czech capital makes it a top destination for people from all walks of life. Prague is home to the largest nightclub in Europe, Karlovy Lazne, that spans five whole floors.

That’s not all that you’ll find here, however. Chapeau Rouge, with its underground network of dance floors and bars, is a must for intrepid travellers. Meanwhile, Hospůdka Na Hradbách’s no-frills approach to outdoors entertainment is the perfect place to kick back and relax in.

Paris, France

A global centre for art, culture, fashion, architecture and cuisine, Paris is one of the jewels of Western Europe. The capital of France is renowned the world over for effortless luxury, café culture, and a certain “je ne sais quois.”

While you won’t necessarily find the vibrancy of nightlife that you’d get in Prague or Berlin, what you will find is achingly cool bars, cafes and restaurants, high end partying and, of course, my guilty pleasure - jazz! The jazz scene in Paris is rich and diverse and rates highly with experts and professional musicians alike.

London, United Kingdom

My final recommendation for unforgettable nightlife is a city right here on home turf. London is the largest city in the UK and, as the country’s capital, it’s a melting pot of cultures, languages, and nationalities.

The West End is where the rich and famous come to indulge in some nighttime festivities, so as you might expect there are several exclusive clubs and haunts that aren’t all that easy for folks like you and me to get into. It’s the best spot for live theatre, dance and music events, however, which are open to everyone.

Each area of London has its own distinct flavour when it comes to nightlife, so I’d certainly recommend checking out neighbourhoods like Shoreditch, Camden, and Brixton.